Gunmen on Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, killing two soldiers and a police officer deployed to guard the institution’s staff quarters.
The slain security personnel were reportedly on duty when the attackers struck.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, the Head of Public Affairs at NIPSS, Dr. Osime Samuel, said a security breach occurred in the vicinity of the institute in the early hours of the day.
“The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, wishes to inform the public that a security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today,” he said.
According to him, the situation was swiftly brought under control by security personnel, assuring that there was no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the institute.
“There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute. Normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” Samuel added.
However, findings by Credibility News indicate that the attackers targeted the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a Directing Staff member, Professor Haruna Dabin.
Sources disclosed that the two officials had received handwritten threat notes pasted on their doors on Saturday, demanding payments of $100,000 and N15 million respectively. The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the institute’s management.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the soldiers and police officer were killed during a gun battle with the attackers while defending the staff quarters.
“During the day, local vigilantes watch over the staff quarters, while soldiers and police personnel provide security at night. It is believed that the attackers came for the staff members they had earlier threatened and demanded money from,” the source said.
NIPSS management said security agencies had commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available. We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies.
“The Management of NIPSS remains committed to the safety and security of all members of the Institute community and appreciates the professionalism of the security personnel and agencies involved in the response,” Samuel stated.
Credibility News gathered that the bodies of the slain security personnel have been deposited in a mortuary, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
